Carter Insurance and Consulting, LLC

08/03/2026

I am reaching out to share an important update regarding Ascension Saint Thomas and UnitedHealthcare (UHC). Their current contract for Medicare Advantage plans is up for renewal on September 15, 2026.
They are currently negotiating a new contract that expires on September 15, 2026. I know these headlines can be stressful, but I want to assure you that nothing changes right now. You should absolutely keep all of your scheduled appointments and see your doctors as normal. Even if negotiations run tight, emergency care is always covered, and patients in active treatment have protections to keep their doctors.
Most importantly, you have a major safety net: if they don't reach a deal and there is a significant network disruption, Medicare grants a Special Enrollment Period. This gives us a special window to switch you to another top plan that still takes your Ascension doctors, right away. There is always the option to find another doctor that is still in network.
These negotiations are very common, and they usually resolve before the deadline. I am tracking this daily for you, so you don't need to stress or take action right now. Do you have any questions about your current care? If this directly affects you, please contact me at 931-319-9131 for further action.

10/22/2025

Concerned about your Medicare costs? You may be eligible for the Medicare Extra Help or Medicare Savings Program to lower your expenses. Give me a call to schedule an appointment and see if you qualify. I'm here to help!

09/05/2025

Medicare Part B premiums are projected to increase in 2026.
Based on the 2025 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report, the standard Medicare Part B premium is projected to be $206.50 per month, an increase of $21.50 or 11.6% from $185.00 in 2025. This would represent the largest Part B increase in dollar terms since 2022.
It's important to note that these are projections, and the final 2026 Medicare Part B premiums will be officially announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the fall of 2025.

09/02/2025

Recent reports indicate that several major health insurance companies are scaling back their Medicare Advantage offerings for 2026, though not necessarily canceling all plans.
Most plan to eliminate unprofitable plans representing more than 600,000 members from its portfolio next year. These cuts are primarily affecting less managed products, such as PPO offerings.

If you are one that gets terminated, keep the letter… This entitles you to have a guaranteed issue enrollment into a Medicare Supplement if you want to return to Original Medicare and this is in your budget.
You can apply 60 days before to 63 days after coverage ends. Plans available: A,B,C,D,F(eligible before 1/1/20) or G… Plan N is not included in this guaranteed issue enrollment. This is very important because this eliminates any medical underwriting.

If returning to Original Medicare is not in your budget, it will be crucial to get in the best Medicare Advantage plan available in your area.
Call me and schedule your appointment for the Medicare Annual Enrollment for 2026 plans that begins October 15 and runs through Dec 7 as I stay up to date with all of the rapid Medicare changes and will advise you into the best options for you.

Lorie Carter
Independent Medicare Broker
931-319-9131

08/18/2025

MAJOR 2026 MEDICARE CHANGES

I’ll be posting a series of upcoming posts on high-priority changes that you NEED to know…

As August is winding down, it's time to focus on the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
I have been closely monitoring the projected changes and updates impacting Medicare for 2026.
These inevitable changes are SUBSTANTIAL, and it is crucial to understand how they may affect your coverage.

01/01/2025

Thank you to all my wonderful clients that has partnered with me with your healthcare insurance needs. Happy New Year!!

12/28/2024

******To all Medicare Advantage clients*******

Do my Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefits roll over if I don’t use them?
Unfortunately, unused OTC Benefits do not roll over to the next year. So, make sure to take advantage of these benefit dollars before they expire. Act quickly… like before the 31st!!!!

Please consider using any unused OTC benefits left on your card to purchase supplemental drinks such as Ensure or Boost etc… (Chocolate is usually the preferred flavor). I have several clients as well as others in our communities that have health issues whom rely on these supplemental drinks.
If you have any leftover OTC, please utilize it to make this purchase.
For anyone wanting to be technical about this…I will make this disclosure…
Generally, you cannot use your over-the-counter (OTC) benefit to buy something for someone else… but because this is purchased by you through your identification, it is yours to then make a donation if you so choose not to use it yourself. 😉🙏🏼
If you decide to be so gracious and generous, I will come pick it up and distribute it accordingly. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Kindly,
Lorie Carter
Carter Insurance & Consulting
931-319-9131
931-319-2914

11/01/2024

* November 1: Open Enrollment starts — first day you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans through the Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage can start as soon as January 1.
* December 15: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1.
* January 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans by December 15 and pay their first premium.
* January 15: Open Enrollment ends — last day to enroll in or change Marketplace health plans for the year. After this date, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
* February 1: Coverage starts for those who enroll in or change plans December 16 through January 15 and pay their first premium.

10/31/2024

You might start receiving a letter informing you that you can request the Medicare prescription payment plan…. This is new for 2025. Here’s a little bit of information explaining what it is exactly.

What’s the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan? The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a new payment option in the prescription drug law that works with your current drug coverage to help you manage your out-of-pocket costs for drugs covered by your plan by spreading them across the calendar yea...

10/25/2024

Ambetter Health wants to make sure all clients receive the highest quality care at the lowest premium. One way Ambetter Health does this is by monitoring pharmacies network performance.

Beginning January 1, 2025, certain pharmacies in Tennessee will no longer participate in the Ambetter Health pharmacy network.

Clients who have filled at least one prescription in the last four months at one of the exiting pharmacies will receive a letter explaining these changes.

Open enrollment starts Nov 1.
Call to review options.